CIVIL WAR THREAD

[ScarletHistorian]

Come here to chat about the US Civil War, from Fort Sumter to Gettysburg and beyond.

Let's Start

First Manassas/Bull Run

The first battle of Bull Run was one of the first battles of the American Civil War; and was one of those times where the south had a nearly clear path to Washington. In the battle, General Stonewall Jackson got his namesake for brutally defeating the Union at a choke-point on Stone Bridge.

Discuss?

[Bowtie]

Another time the South had a clear path to Washington was before the Battle of Gettysburg.

[Bowtie]

Some people in the North thought the whole war was going to be over in a few weeks.

[Bowtie]

ScarletHistorian, George S, Patton is a great choice for a profile picture.

[EmperorTigerstar]

Another time the South had a clear path to Washington was before the Battle of Gettysburg.

Not quite. Washington had good fortifications, especially with the Potomac. That's why Lee needed to go around, but then his army needed shoes so he raided Gettysburg and well we know what happened after that.

[JmmiP]

So were the tensions that lead to the Civil War any comparable to the tensions we see today? (polarization, internet echochambers etc)

[Mr Trolldemort]

So were the tensions that lead to the Civil War any comparable to the tensions we see today? (polarization, internet echochambers etc)

I personally think so. The tensions during the civil war date from decades on the issues of states rights and slavery. However, unlike the present day, there were a lot more fighting and anger from all sections of society, even with the politicians, and major territorial issues happening, with each new state amplifying the tension. I think the way things are going, it is a possible that a revolt would occur several years from now, but I don't think it would turn to an actual civil war. The government nowadays has access to much more powerful military weapons than in 1860 (tanks, drones, planes, nukes). Most importantly, it is not in anyone's interest to fight, because the US is much more powerful and influential than it is now and it would destroy America as a major power in the world and other major powers today like Russia and China could easily capitalize on it.

[Cold War Communist]

So were the tensions that lead to the Civil War any comparable to the tensions we see today? (polarization, internet echochambers etc)

The tensions are similar, but the outcomes will be different. I think you will see a more peaceful resolution, such as the secession of the Pacific Coast or Texas as opposed to a violent revolt or unrest. People can more effectively organize grassroots movements to make change more efficient and less difficult, and divisions today are more refionalized. The attitude is also different in that it appears people feel inclined to tell others to, "get lost" rather than try to unite under a common cause or belief system.

To tie that all back into history, I would say the necessity of a United continent is less important today than it was in 1860---.

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